AN award-winning comedy star hopes to save Christmas for panto-loving families in the Black Country.

Pantomimes across the country have been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic – but popular character comic Tom Binns (famed for his hospital radio DJ character Ivan Brackenbury) is bringing his new one-man panto to Brierley Hill Civic Hall for three nights in the run-up to Christmas so families can still get their festive fix.

Buttons: The One Man Panto will run on Monday December 21, Tuesday December 22 and Wednesday December 23 at the Bank Street venue.

The one-hour show sees Buttons realising he's been left all alone, with the rest of the cast furloughed, 10 minutes into what should have been a production of Cinderella.

It features a number of cameos via Zoom, however, from panto legends including Bernie Clifton.

The show is being put on by Funny Beeseness run by Dudley comedian/MC Wayne Beese who said: "We’re delighted (oh yes we are) to be bringing a panto to all the boys and girls of Brierley Hill and beyond this year.

“Going to the panto is a tradition for so many families at Christmas so it’s gutting to see that so many have had to be cancelled due to Covid-19.

“Tom is one of our most popular acts and is a real bona fide comedy genius, so when we heard he had written a panto we knew we had to put it on.

“It will be in a Covid-safe environment, with two-metre distancing between social groups, extra distance between rows and drinks service to seats. We also offer a guarantee that if the shows aren’t able to go ahead, we will immediately refund all tickets.

“It’s been a horrible few months, so we hope putting this on will bring a bit of joy and light to people of all ages at the most magical time of the year.”

Tickets are now on sale now from funnybeeseness.co.uk and are selling fast.

They cost £12 for adults and £8 for children aged 16 or under. A family ticket for two adults and two children is available for £35.

The show is suitable for the whole family but adults can go on their own too.